Oct 16 Hotel Review: Dream Hollywood (The Telegraph)

Dream is a vibrant nightlife complex touting a smart hotel, seven restaurants, and a number of bars and nightclubs. It epitomises stereotypical Hollywood (velvet ropes, models, sports cars), and is a 'dream' hotel for socialites and night owls looking to lap up this revitalised area of LA.

9/10 - Location

Dream Hollywood is in a recently revitalised area one block south of Hollywood Boulevard and one block north of Sunset Boulevard. All Hollywood landmarks and attractions (like the Walk of Fame and Dolby Theatre), bars, restaurants and shopping are short walks, which is a rarity in a driving city. Catch a TMV tour, Uber, bus and even metro stop (three blocks away) in minutes.

8/10 - Style & character

This millennial-magnet of a hotel is urban, visionary and, above all, photogenic for social media, which felt like a priority here. The lobby lounge and bar is drenched with sunlight from a glass NanaWall entrance, and artwork by local street artist Mr. Brainwash adds an edgy flair. Despite the party-centric vibes, it is nevertheless comfortable and relaxed by day.

8/10 - Service & facilities

The staff are young and eager. Dream is so obsessed with attractive people that Lipps modelling agency is located on the second floor (next to the Gunnar Peterson Gym – reminiscent of a CrossFit facility – only for hotel guests), so models will always be lurking somewhere in the building.

The rooftop sanctuary offers breathtaking, 360-degree views that include the famous Hollywood sign, along with a small pool. A highlight is the thriving, reimagined 'alleyway' connecting various venues and three retail shops. There is a valet service (no self parking), free Wi-Fi, laundry, room service via iPad but no spa.

7/10 - Rooms

There are 178 rooms, all with floor-to-ceiling windows, comfy beds and rain showers. The standard rooms are small (the vanity is in the entryway) while, at the other end of the scale, the Platinum suites are spacious with separate living rooms. All skimp on style though, compared to the design excellence achieved in public spaces.

The best thing is the sprawling view from the upper bedrooms, especially at night. The noise level may be distracting after midnight on weekends. Even on a high floor you can hear the action below, though the majority of guests here stroll in after 2 am, when nightlife promptly shuts down in LA. For sensitive sleepers, the hotel provides earplugs.

8/10 - Food & drink

Dream is home to Tao Hollywood, flagship Tao Las Vegas is the highest-grossing restaurant in America, Beauty & Essex, a trendy restaurant with seven dining rooms, Luchini Pizzeria, a lobby grab-and-go, The Highline rooftop restaurant and Avenue, an indoor/outdoor nightclub with bottle service.

7/10 - Value for money

Double rooms from $486 (£373) in low season; from $599 (£460) in high season. Breakfast excluded. There is no resort fee, and overnight valet parking ($45/£34) is available. Wi-Fi is fast and complimentary.

Access for guests with disabilities?

There are ramps, 11 adapted rooms and accessibility at the pool.

Family-friendly?

Dream keeps children in consideration with kids' robes and set-up for babies, but it’s primarily a playground for adults (children are not allowed at the pool after noon).